Japanese ETFs And Currency Hedging

Currency ETFs News:

Over the past few years, investors that have taken a chance on the iShares MSCI Japan Index (NYSEArca: EWJ) have been rewarded by the appreciating yen against the U.S. dollar. As the yen has started to weaken, exchange traded funds that hedge foreign currency exposure could be a better choice.

“The near-term outlook for corporate Japan might finally be improving. Aside from the falling yen, other positive trends include an improving U.S. economy, relatively healthy Asian economies (a growing major export destination for Japanese products), and post-quake-related spending. These factors should support significantly better earnings in the next fiscal year (which ends March 2013),” Patricia Oey for Morningstar wrote in a recent article.

The Bank of Japan recently boosted its asset purchase program with an inflation target of 1%, creating a headwind for the Japanese yen. In turn, Japanese large-cap companies have spurred a rally because most of them are exporters to several countries. [Lower Risk Stock ETFs to Consider]

An ETF that focuses in on Japan’s stock market and hedges foreign currency exposure is the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity (NYSEArca: DXJ) which also tracks a dividend weighted index.

The db-X MSCI Japan Currency-Hedged Equity Fund (NYSEArca: DBJP) also mitigates exposure to fluctuations between the value of the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen.

Investors can reduce the risk of loss from fluctuations in exchange rates by hedging with foreign currency. Hedging simply involves taking on on risk to offset another. Foreign currency risk comes from potential changes in the exchange rate of one currency in relation to another. [ETFs That Hedge Their Foreign Currency Exposure]

DXJ hedges its Japanese yen exposure by holding currency forward and futures contracts. EWJ does not hedge currency risk.

WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity

Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.

The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.